LOS ANGELES − Threatening winds were anticipated to pick up again on Monday, gusting through trees that have already been scorched by fires, lifting ash and smoke, and complicating firefighting efforts across Los Angeles County. The fires have claimed at least 24 lives and decimated thousands of homes and businesses.

These winds could jeopardize the progress made by firefighters over the weekend against several wildfires. After easing somewhat on Sunday, which allowed crews to establish some control, winds were expected to return later Monday, with coastal gusts reaching between 40 and 50 mph.

The National Weather Service’s Los Angeles office identified areas under Red Flag Warning in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties, which received a “particularly dangerous situation” alert indicating extreme fire weather conditions. These warnings are set for a broad area of Southern California from Monday through Wednesday morning.

“Conditions are projected to deteriorate in these areas by Tuesday morning, with wind gusts possibly reaching 70 mph,” warned National Weather Service Meteorologist Walter Otto in a Monday update. He noted that the combination of wind, low humidity, and the absence of recent rainfall elevates the risk of large fires spreading rapidly. “These regions face a high risk for significant wildfires with potential for very quick expansion of any that may ignite.”

The weather service indicated that “critical to extremely critical fire weather conditions” are expected to persist for the coastal regions of Southern California through Wednesday, extending down to San Diego.

The number of individuals under evacuation orders has decreased to 92,000 as of Monday, down from nearly 200,000 earlier in the week, according to Los Angeles Sheriff Robert Luna at a morning briefing. An additional 89,000 are still under evacuation warnings.

Sheriff Luna urged residents still away from their homes to remain patient as authorities continue “grid searching” for potential victims. He mentioned expectations that the death toll may increase.

“It’s a very difficult task, and unfortunately, each day as we carry this out, we are discovering the remains of community members,” Luna said. “This is not easy work.”

Over 1,800 properties have been searched so far, and authorities reported 34 arrests related to various offenses, including curfew violations and looting.

Recent Developments:

∎ The “Super Scooper” firefighting plane that was damaged by a drone has been repaired and is expected to resume operations on Tuesday morning, according to County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone.

∎ The announcement for Oscar nominations has been postponed from January 17 to January 23, and the voting deadline has been extended due to the fires. The Oscars ceremony is still set for March 2.

∎ All ongoing fires are under investigation, and arson has not been ruled out, reported Los Angeles police official Dominic Choi.

∎ The Los Angeles Police Department has temporarily halted a service that helped residents return to retrieve pets, medication, and other essential items due to safety concerns.

A Note of Optimism Amid Winds

In the famous Topanga Canyon along the Pacific Coast Highway, meditation instructor Seth Monk assisted in distributing food, fuel, and propane to residents who stayed behind despite evacuation orders. This narrow community is sandwiched between the wildfires affecting Pacific Palisades and Malibu, which Monk described as looking like a volcano last week.

This area is home to many celebrities alongside long-term residents and others seeking refuge from urban life. Notable figures like Neil Young, Jim Morrison, and actor Joshua Jackson, whose home was lost last week, have ties to Topanga.

Monk expressed a sense of optimism as the skies cleared.

“The sentiment is that we are nearing the end of the worst of it, but with so much dry vegetation around us and winds picking up, there’s still a chance the fire could reignite,” he said, as thankful residents enjoyed organic coffee provided by community donors. “The overall situation appears to be improving.”

− Trevor Hughes

What’s in the Sky? Fire Retardant

Pictures of aircraft dropping a reddish-pink substance during firefighting efforts have raised questions about its composition, purpose, and safety.

This fire retardant, utilized for over 50 years to combat wildfires, primarily consists of salts that “modify the way the fire burns, reduce its intensity, and slow its progression,” according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service.

More than 440 million gallons of this retardant were used on wildfires between 2009 and 2021, mostly across the West, where wildfires are a common issue. However, the Forest Service prohibits the use of retardant near waterways or endangered species habitats on federal land due to environmental worries.

− Christopher Cann

Cal Fire Mapping Damage

Over 12,000 properties, including homes, businesses, schools, and various structures, have been devastated by the wildfires that have swept through the greater Los Angeles area since last Tuesday. Cal Fire reported on Monday that approximately 40,300 acres have burned across various fires, including the Pacific Palisades Fire, the Eaton Fire near Altadena, and the Hurst Fire near Sylmar.

Los Angeles County has released preliminary damage maps for the Eaton and Palisades fires, but officials cautioned that assessments are ongoing and maps may be incomplete. Joshua Mott from Cal Fire informed YSL News that these initial estimates come from infrared imaging.

− Karissa Waddick

Ukraine Considers Sending Firefighters to LA

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced he might send Ukrainian firefighters to assist in battling the wildfires in California after Donald Trump Jr. criticized the Los Angeles County Fire Department for providing supplies to Ukraine. Zelenskyy stated that he has instructed Ukraine’s Minister of Interior Affairs and diplomats to “prepare for the potential involvement of our rescuers in combating the wildfires in California.” He noted that 150 Ukrainian firefighters are ready to assist.

“The conditions there are exceedingly tough, and we can help Americans save lives,” he added.

− Cybele Mayes-Osterman

Three Major Fires Still Active

As of Monday, three out of six major fires that broke out since Tuesday were still ongoing. The Eaton Fire near Pasadena is currently 33% contained. The Hurst Fire near Sylmar is 95% contained, while the Pacific Palisades Fire — the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history — is only 14% contained, having ravaged 36 square miles and turned the community into ashes.

Just a few miles east of Pacific Palisades, the UCLA campus in the Westwood area is under emergency status as it faces “immense challenges” posed by the nearby wildfires.

According to the school’s website, over 45,000 students will be engaging in remote classes until Friday.

Cruise lines eliminating cancellation fees

Many cruise lines are providing flexible cancellation options for guests affected by the wildfires in the Los Angeles region. Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that they are waiving cancellation fees for impacted passengers with bookings in January and February. Similarly, Princess Cruises, a local cruise operator, revealed a comparable policy last week for voyages departing from Los Angeles.

“We fully understand the difficulties many within our community are experiencing,” stated the cruise line in an email. “To assist our guests who reside in evacuation zones or whose properties have suffered serious damage, Princess Cruises is granting the flexibility to cancel their cruises” that are set to depart before February 1.

− Nathan Diller

Firefighters from Arizona step in

According to Tiffany Davila, a spokesperson for the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, 100 personnel have been sent to Southern California to help tackle wildfires. Two teams were deployed to Altadena, and two others were assigned to the Cleveland and San Bernardino national forests, Davila reported.

Arizona firefighters were actively monitoring an area in Altadena, which is located north of Pasadena.

“We’re making every effort to secure the area as effectively as we can before any additional developments occur, particularly before the wind picks up,” said Capt. Shaun Jones from Central Arizona Fire and Medical.

− Jose R. Gonzalez, Arizona Republic

Assessments of damage from Eaton Fire are in progress

As of Monday, efforts to increase containment, conduct search and rescue operations, assess infrastructure, respond to hazardous materials, and evaluate damages were ongoing in communities affected by the Eaton Fire, according to Cal Fire updates. This fire, which has been linked to at least 16 fatalities, has inflicted damage or destruction on over 1,600 homes, businesses, and various structures.

“These missions are unprecedented in size and scope and essential for addressing existing threats, confirming missing persons, and accurately counting the loss of structures,” said the agency in a statement. They also noted that stronger winds “will lead to heightened fire activity.”

World Central Kitchen steps up to provide meals

World Central Kitchen has joined the ongoing efforts to deliver food to firefighters engaged in battling the wildfires as well as to residents who have lost their homes, lack power, or are otherwise struggling amidst the crisis.

“WCK will be offering complimentary meals across California for first responders and community members affected by the Southern California wildfires,” the disaster relief organization announced through a social media update late Sunday, including a list of several locations for meal distribution. “Please share this information with anyone nearby who may require assistance.”

WCK has mobilized teams throughout the area to provide immediate support with sandwiches and water, and ‘several members of the WCK Chef Corps are prepared to deliver comforting meals.’

Founded in 2010 by renowned chef José Andrés, the organization is still under his leadership.

A desire to rebuild as embers fade

On the morning of January 7, Neal Flesner noticed a different atmosphere. Having lived in Los Angeles for around 25 years, he had never encountered such strong, dust-laden winds before. By the time he left a gym in Venice Beach around 11 a.m. local time, he could already observe smoke and flames rising in the hills close to his home in Pacific Palisades, California.

In the Alphabet Streets area of the Palisades, where he and his wife resided, Flesner had always believed they were sufficiently distanced from rural areas filled with dry brush. However, upon returning home, he found the entire Alphabet Streets neighborhood devastated.

“I want to contribute not only to reconstructing the houses but also to revitalizing the community, the culture, and the life that we cherished together there,” Flesner expressed.

− Karissa Waddick and Sandy Hooper

Fatalities from the LA wildfires

The Los Angeles County medical examiner confirmed that at least 24 individuals have died as a result of the Eaton and Palisades fires. According to medical records, the Palisades Fire accounted for at least eight fatalities, while 16 deaths were attributed to the Eaton Fire.

On Sunday, California Governor Gavin Newsom informed NBC’s “Meet the Press” that “there’s likely to be many more” deaths associated with the wildfires affecting the Los Angeles region.

Reported missing individuals in the LA fires

Currently, at least 16 individuals have been reported missing as Los Angeles fire officials persist in their search and rescue operations in areas impacted by the wildfires.

This count includes 12 individuals from the Eaton Fire and four from the Palisades Fire, as stated by Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna on Sunday.